Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Stronghold Kingdoms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/rise-and-shiny-stronghold-kingdoms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/rise-and-shiny-stronghold-kingdoms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/15/rise-and-shiny-stronghold-kingdoms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stronghold Kingdoms screenshot
There are certain designs in the MMORTS genre that have frankly started to burn me out. I was a bit worried that I had reached my tolerance point and would not be able to stomach another city-builder until I had put some time between me and my latest preview or first impressions. It's an amazing genre, and as I have argued before, it's more MMO than most MMOs. As in many genres, successful design is copied. The ironic thing is that all of these copies often dilute the market, making it worse on everyone. As much as I love the genre, I am a bit sick of running into the same design, stereotypical settings, and mechanics. Of course, we cannot take these copies and paint the whole genre with a terrible brush; if we did that, all of MMOdom would be in trouble. Still, I'm sick of it.

Luckily Firefly Worlds, maker of Stronghold Kingdoms, has a very persistent "PR ninja" who made a point to poke at me on Twitter. Usually, we funnel all PR contact to our lead editors for organization purposes, but hey, I can't resist a nice voice and a lovely looking game... and I have a high tolerance for fun people.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Stronghold Kingdoms

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Stronghold Kingdoms originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedFireflyfirefly-worldsfree-to-playfreemiumftpgemstone-ivhands-onlivestreammassively-tvmudrise-and-shinystreamstreaming-videostronghold-kingdomstwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvideoSun, 15 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Cool balloon bro edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-mmo-report-cool-balloon-bro-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-mmo-report-cool-balloon-bro-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/the-mmo-report-cool-balloon-bro-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The MMO Report
This week on The MMO Report -- where everyone prefers "a blaster over hokey religions and ancient weapons" -- Casey tries to make the most of a slow MMO news week. He reports that the fallout over Fallout Online has settled, Multiverse (the Buffy/Firefly MMO platform) is dead in the water, CCP is launching EVE Online character avatars into orbit via balloon, and Star Wars: The Old Republic is boasting 350,000 concurrent users.

There's no mailbag this week, he relates, because everyone's too busy playing lightsabers with their friends, which is probably true.

He also thanks BioWare for teaching him how to /getdown... and I think you should tune in at the five-minute mark to see his moves for yourself. The video's tucked behind the break for your amusement!

Continue reading The MMO Report: Cool balloon bro edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Cool balloon bro edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworksbiowarebuffybuffy-mmobugscasey-schreinerccpccp-gamescool-balloon-broeaElectronic-Artseveeve-onlinefalloutfallout-onlinefireflyfirefly-mmogetdowninternet-lightsabersinterplaylightsabersmmo-reportmultiversestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-mmo-reporttorvideovideosThu, 05 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefly MMO gets a possible second shot at the stars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/firefly-mmo-gets-a-possible-second-shot-at-the-stars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/firefly-mmo-gets-a-possible-second-shot-at-the-stars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/firefly-mmo-gets-a-possible-second-shot-at-the-stars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Firefly
While Multiverse, the development platform that was supposed to be the driving force for possible Buffy and Firefly MMOs, suffered a studio shutdown, the source code lives -- and has been snatched up by the newly formed Multiverse Foundation. Fortunately for those who were holding out hope for an online version of Joss Whedon's scifi western, it looks as though this new company wants to pick up where the previous team left off.

Massively was contacted by Tristan Bacon, head of communications for Multiverse Foundation. He says that the company has acquired the source code and is "starting work full-time on the actual MMO creation platform." Bacon says that if there is still interest from fans, the team intends to use the platform to make a Firefly MMO.

Don't get overexcited at the prospect of saddling up for the 'verse in your own ship, however, as this might be as long a shot as it ever was. There are substantial obstacles to overcome, including permission to use the IP. Bacon also says that the current team is just a small group of volunteers working on it in their spare time, and would appreciate more developers to sign on to the project.

MassivelyFirefly MMO gets a possible second shot at the stars originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buffybuffy-mmobuffy-the-vampire-slayerdevelopment-platformfireflyfirefly-mmoipjoss-whedonmultiversemultiverse-foundationtristan-baconveraverseWed, 04 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Multiverse shuts down: Firefly, Buffy MMOs officially dead]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/multiverse-shuts-down-firefly-buffy-mmos-officially-dead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/multiverse-shuts-down-firefly-buffy-mmos-officially-dead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/multiverse-shuts-down-firefly-buffy-mmos-officially-dead/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The crew of Serenity
It may be 2012, but 2011 isn't finished claiming its victims just yet. As discovered by Ten Ton Hammer, the team behind the Multiverse development platform has officially pulled the plug due to lack of funding. If that name doesn't ring a bell, we're sure you've heard of the two IPs most closely associated with it.

Multiverse was slated to be the engine powering both the Firefly and Buffy the Vampire Slayer MMOs, but as of December 7, 2011, fans will have to look elsewhere for their Whedonverse fix. There is always Firefly Universe Online, but due to the unauthorized nature of the project and the lack of updates, we're not holding our breath.

MassivelyMultiverse shuts down: Firefly, Buffy MMOs officially dead originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buffybuffy-the-vampire-slayerfireflyfirefly-mmofrakjoss-whedonMiscellaneousmmo-industrymultiverseserenitythe-special-hellwhedonverseMon, 02 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Aye aye, Cap'n Tightpants!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/one-shots-aye-aye-capn-tightpants/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/one-shots-aye-aye-capn-tightpants/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/one-shots-aye-aye-capn-tightpants/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One Shots Fallen Earth
Today's One Shots takes us to Fallen Earth's wasteland, where visitors to Watchtower in Sector 1 will find a subtle nod to Firefly.
Icarus Studios didn't go over the top when creating Captain Reynolds. He's not wearing a brown coat and chatting about spaceships, but the name alone is familiar enough that most fans will smile in recognition.
We're celebrating pop culture in our MMOs this week. Developers sneak references in all over games, whether it be via NPCs, quests, or items, and we want to see your favorites. Grab a screenshot, tell us a bit about what it is, and send it to oneshots@massively.com. We'll be featuring the best of these all week.

It's also time to start thinking about next week's One Shots theme, and we'll be revisiting an old favorite: environments. Snap a screenshot of your favorite MMO vista and send it in, and we'll feature it on One Shots next week!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Aye aye, Cap'n Tightpants! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fallen-earthfireflygalleriesgalleryicarusicarus-studiosone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsFri, 12 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist plays with MUDs: Your journeys, part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/the-game-archaeologist-plays-with-muds-your-journeys-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/the-game-archaeologist-plays-with-muds-your-journeys-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/the-game-archaeologist-plays-with-muds-your-journeys-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

What a long, strange trip it's been back through the heyday of multi-user dungeons and the many, many spin-offs and variations thereof. We've looked at the history, talked with Richard Bartle, and promoted a few of the best titles out there -- but we're not done yet! The Game Archaeologist will not hang up his hat and call it a day well-lived until your stories are entered into the history books.

Throughout this month, MUD and MU* players have deluged the inbox of the Game Archaeologist Institute for Text-Based Virtual Worlds, impressing us with hefty paragraphs of passionate experiences. These stories are so good, in fact, that we have little desire to choose between them, which is why we're going to annex the first week of May so that we can share all of them. May won't mind -- May's cool like that.

So hit the jump and read the testimonies of the word warriors who were there on the front line of parser combat and grammatically correct roleplaying. These are their stories. This is your lunch break.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist plays with MUDs: Your journeys, part 1

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist plays with MUDs: Your journeys, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmberMUSHbbsbulletin-board-systemdungeons-and-dragonsexcelsiorfar-sidefarsidefeaturedfireflygopherIntoTheBlackiron-realms-entertainmentlusterniamajormudmoomumudmulti-user-dungeonmushotherspacepvprichard-bartleRoger ZelaznyRogerZelaznystar-trekstar-wars-galaxiesstarfleet-academyswgsysopthe-game-archaeologisttolkienTOS-TrekMUSETrekMUSEwes-plattwhite-wolfworld-of-darknessyorktownTue, 26 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Respecting the IP and why developers shouldn't]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/the-soapbox-respecting-the-ip-and-why-developers-shouldnt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/the-soapbox-respecting-the-ip-and-why-developers-shouldnt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/the-soapbox-respecting-the-ip-and-why-developers-shouldnt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Here's how it is: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

If you've never heard of Firefly, you're either afraid of things that are awesome or you've had an unfortunate gap in your viewing history for the past nine years or so. If you have heard of it, however, you're more than aware that simply referencing the show is enough to send most gamers and fanboys into paroxysms of quotations and general gushing. To say that the universe remains well-loved is an understatement.

And if you play MMOs, Firefly seems like a setting that's too perfect to be true. Who knows how many moons are out there in the black, how many crews are left to explore the 'verse and make a fortune? The game never went beyond an announcement, and it still topped our list of games that have gone MIA, after all. And the best part is all of that open nature plays right into the structure of an MMO, with no need to change the wonderful IP set forth in the slightest.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Respecting the IP and why developers shouldn't

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Respecting the IP and why developers shouldn't originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiescolumndc-universe-onlinedcuodesign-goalsdevelopment-issuesfeaturedfireflyfirefly-mmogame-designgame-mechanicsill-be-in-my-bunklord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionprogressionsoapboxstar-trek-onlinestothe-soapboxveraTue, 22 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five MMOs that have gone MIA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/5-mmos-that-have-gone-mia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/5-mmos-that-have-gone-mia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/5-mmos-that-have-gone-mia/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Unlike Chuck Norris, who seems to hang on as an MMO meme with insane tenacity (perhaps it's that extra fist under his beard), there are a handful of MMOs that appear to have dropped off the radar in the last several months -- if not years. Admittedly, this was originally to be a top 10 list of missing MMOs, but in the last half of this year, several developers have seen fit to thwart our plans by actually releasing information about their games. Shock! Horror!

Nevertheless, I've armed myself with an enormous cup of coffee and plundered the archives of Massively and general press releases for MMOGs that seem to have dropped off the radar. Are they still under development? Will we see some movement on them in 2011? Will it take a Chuck Norris-level feat-of-strength and all-around badassery to pull them back from the developmental abyss they appear to be in? Join me behind the break as I run down some of the MMOs we're still waiting for word on.

Continue reading Five MMOs that have gone MIA

MassivelyFive MMOs that have gone MIA originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigpointbuffy the vampire slayerbuffy-the-vampire-slayerdtp-gamesend-of-the-year-2010fireflyinfinitymissingmissing-gamesmissing-mmomultiversemultiverse-platformno-news-is-not-necessarily-good-newsotherlandrealuschell-gamessillythe-mummythe-mummy-onlineVaporwareyear-in-reviewFri, 31 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's radiance to be run over by a train and other future tidbits revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/lotros-radiance-to-be-run-over-by-a-train-and-other-future-tidb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/lotros-radiance-to-be-run-over-by-a-train-and-other-future-tidb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/lotros-radiance-to-be-run-over-by-a-train-and-other-future-tidb/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"We took Radiance outside, tied it up to some railroad tracks, and...well...I think you saw the end of this in Red Dead Redemption. Look for this in the future -‐ we will be removing Radiance from LotRO." Thus sayeth Turbine's Jen "Jalessa" Gordy, who confirmed that the controversial gear gating system is headed for a messy death.

In the same WarCry developer chat, the team fielded a number of questions about where LotRO is headed after this week's mega-update. Some of the features in the works for Tolkien's digital offspring include a new raid, class changes for monster play, a barter item wallet, PvMP skirmishes, Isengard, additional minigames and -- yes -- vanity pets for all. The devs also admitted to slipping in a few pop culture mentions into the game, such as Firefly and Futurama references.

And will there ever be any other hobbies than fishing in LotRO? Kate Paiz mused: "All of us devs really want to make golf next, but it's a tricky undertaking, so we don't have a timeline yet, but feel free to start practicing your backswings!"

You can read the full transcript at A Casual Stroll to Mordor.

MassivelyLotRO's radiance to be run over by a train and other future tidbits revealed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-casual-stroll-to-mordorcant-stop-the-signaldev-chatdeveloper-chatfireflyfishingfuturamagolfhobbieshypnotoadisengardjen-gordyjrr-tolkienlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrominigamespvmpradianceraidred-dead-redemptiontolkienturbinevanity-petswarcryTue, 07 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Castle simulation goes MMO with Stronghold Kingdoms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/castle-simulation-goes-mmo-with-stronghold-kingdoms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/castle-simulation-goes-mmo-with-stronghold-kingdoms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/castle-simulation-goes-mmo-with-stronghold-kingdoms/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Being a king will soon be as easy as logging into a game and doing what needs to get done, as Firefly Studios has announced Stronghold Kingdoms, a 2010 dated castle and kingdom MMO. Although they don't currently have a publisher, the Stronghold series is well, for lack of a better term, strong -- we have no doubt it'll find a happy publishing deal in the coming months.

The game itself will be very familiar to fans of Firefly's previous works, with lots of besieging, battling and pillaging -- after the proper bankrolling of course. We'll warn the faint of heart now: delve into the official website at your own risk, this is not a casual game of "Let's build castles and play armies!" that Firefly creates. On the contrary, this looks to be a game with enough depth to drown a giraffe twice over.

MassivelyCastle simulation goes MMO with Stronghold Kingdoms originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castledrowningfireflyfirefly-studiosgiraffekingdomstrongholdstronghold-kingdomsThu, 28 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infringers of Dune: Dune role-players shut down by Herbert Estate. Spice keeps flowing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/infringers-of-dune-dune-role-players-shut-down-by-herbert-estat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/infringers-of-dune-dune-role-players-shut-down-by-herbert-estat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/infringers-of-dune-dune-role-players-shut-down-by-herbert-estat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Among the various business, educational and social uses to which Second Life is put, Role-Playing gamers have quite a number of thriving communities. If you want to role-play in the world of Joss Whedon's Firefly, or Straczynski's Babylon 5, Lucas' Star Wars universe(s), Tolkien's Middle Earth, John Norman's Gor, Frank Herbert's Dune, Roddenberry's Star Trek, or the settings of Doctor Who, Torchwood, Battlestar Galactica, Harry Potter, Final Fantasy VII or CCP/White Wolf's World of Darkness, Second Life is home to all of these and more.

Well, until this week anyway. According to Wagner James Au, Trident Media Group, a literary agent "designed for the twenty first century",which maintains the Herbert Estate sent cease-and-desist notices via Linden Lab requiring one non-profit role-playing community to remove Dune-related names and objects from the virtual environment within two days.

Continue reading Infringers of Dune: Dune role-players shut down by Herbert Estate. Spice keeps flowing

MassivelyInfringers of Dune: Dune role-players shut down by Herbert Estate. Spice keeps flowing originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babylon-5battlestar-galacticaculturedoctor-whodunefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-viifireflygorharry-potterlegalmiddle-earthroleplayingsecond-lifestar-trekstar-warstorchwoodtrident-media-groupvirtual-worldsvooper-werribeewagner-james-auworld-of-darknessThu, 09 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More IPs than you can shake a lightsaber at: Five sci-fi intellectual properties that just scream "MMOG"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/more-ips-than-you-can-shake-a-lightsaber-at-five-sci-fi-intelle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/more-ips-than-you-can-shake-a-lightsaber-at-five-sci-fi-intelle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/more-ips-than-you-can-shake-a-lightsaber-at-five-sci-fi-intelle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Science fiction isn't exactly new to the MMOG scene. In addition to the obvious - Star Wars Galaxies, EVE Online and the defunct Tabula Rasa - there's Neocron, Anarchy Online, Earth & Beyond and Planetside. But with the exception of SWG and the upcoming Star Trek Online, some of sci-fi's best intellectual properties haven't yet been tapped to invite users into their world. What follows are a few franchises that lend themselves perfectly to what MMOGs are, and what they could be.

Uplink
Remember, back when you were a little nerd, what you used to think hacking was like? Remember the virtual world you conjured in your head, with stealthy rogues zooming around the internet, stealing millions from banks and pilfering government secrets? Remember the awful movies Hackers and Swordfish? OK, so maybe real hacking doesn't work that way. Maybe real hacking involves an encyclopedic knowledge of Unix, PHP exploits and hanging out in IRC with people who tell you to RTFM if you ask them what time it is. Real hacking may be a lot of things, but "fun to a lot of people" isn't one of them.

Continue reading More IPs than you can shake a lightsaber at: Five sci-fi intellectual properties that just scream "MMOG"

MassivelyMore IPs than you can shake a lightsaber at: Five sci-fi intellectual properties that just scream "MMOG" originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fireflyjohnny-mnemonicsci-fistarcraftterminatoruplinkworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 03 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buffy/Firefly interview pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/buffy-firefly-interview-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/buffy-firefly-interview-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/buffy-firefly-interview-pt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Are avatars that you create for the 2D experience be able to step into the 3D version of the game?

CB: That's exactly what we're planning for. We're showing it a little bit at this show, we'll be able to show you some of it in Austin at AGDC. We really want to make sure to show this game to people. One thing that I worry about is backlash from Firefly. We announced that so long ago, and people are going "crap, guys, where is it?" It was really important to us that we not announce Buffy before we were already working on it. Once bitten, twice shy.

Believe me, nobody could beat us up that we beat ourselves up about this. We're not at fault, but there are a lot of dashed hopes here. I wanted us to be in a public beta of Firefly here by now!

Continue reading Buffy/Firefly interview pt. 2

MassivelyBuffy/Firefly interview pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buffybuffy-the-vampire-slayerfireflyflashmultiverseThu, 04 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interview: Multiverse explains the Buffy MMO, Firefly's delay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/massively-interview-multiverse-explains-the-buffy-mmo-firefly/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/massively-interview-multiverse-explains-the-buffy-mmo-firefly/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/massively-interview-multiverse-explains-the-buffy-mmo-firefly/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yesterday we brought you word that the folks at Multiverse (the developers of the MMO middleware) are in development on an MMO based on Buffy the Vampire slayer. At the same time, news came out the Firefly MMO will now be delayed considerably while they focus their efforts that other IP from writing dynamo Joss Whedon. Yesterday evening we had the chance to speak with Mr. Corey Bridges, Co-founder, Executive Producer and Marketing Director for the company. Mr. Bridges took some time out of his busy schedule at the Virtual Worlds Expo to explain a bit more about the Buffy/Firefly MMO hoopla.

Most interesting, it sounds as though (despite the lack of any announcements about it) there has actually been some forward movement on the Firefly MMO! Mr. Bridges could say almost nothing about it because of contractual obligations with Fox (the owners of the Firefly IP), but what he could say left us with the tantalizing impression we may actually see that Firefly game someday. Read on for all of that discussion, plus tidbits on why they're working on a Buffy title, a bit on what the game will be like, and the interactions between the 2D and 3D game spaces.

Continue reading Massively interview: Multiverse explains the Buffy MMO, Firefly's delay

MassivelyMassively interview: Multiverse explains the Buffy MMO, Firefly's delay originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buffybuffy-the-vampire-slayerfeaturedfireflyinterviewjoss-whedonjoystiqfeaturesmultiverseThu, 04 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wising up to the Firefly MMO's unique challenges]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/wising-up-to-the-firefly-mmos-unique-challenges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/wising-up-to-the-firefly-mmos-unique-challenges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/wising-up-to-the-firefly-mmos-unique-challenges/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's been about a year and a half since Wired reported that the Firefly license would be MMO-ized by Multiverse. Since then, there's been a vacuum of news -- nada. The game is looking vaporware-esque at this point, but MMORPG nevertheless ran a feature article speculating as to what sorts of challenges the developers of the Firefly MMO will face.

The author goes through all sorts of possible approaches, from a Star Wars Galaxies-inspired ground game to an EVE Online-inspired space game -- even a mostly-social, barely-RPG, casual-type experience. We suspect the last of those is the most likely, if the game gets made at all. As the article notes, the project is not likely to have much funding, and while the audience is passionate, it's also small. That was FOX's problem, too. As we know, the challenges don't end there.

One concern MMORPG didn't bring up at all; Firefly was a character-driven series. Its setting was kind of interesting, but the characters were what made it all worthwhile. If Mal, Jayne, Inara, and Kaylee aren't a part of it, will anyone want to tune in? Turning this franchise into a successful MMO seems almost impossible. Regardless, Captain Mal Reynolds said "we have done the impossible, and that makes us mighty." If the folks at Multiverse pull off a Firefly MMO, that quote could be their mantra.

MassivelyWising up to the Firefly MMO's unique challenges originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fireflyfirefly-mmofoxjoss-whedonmmorpgmmorpg.commultiversesereniflyserenityspeculationTue, 15 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grimwell gives one reason fantasy pwns sci-fi, we go "Huh?"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/grimwell-gives-one-reason-fantasy-pwns-sci-fi-we-go-huh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/grimwell-gives-one-reason-fantasy-pwns-sci-fi-we-go-huh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/grimwell-gives-one-reason-fantasy-pwns-sci-fi-we-go-huh/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Watch your head, you don't want it hit by return fire in the ever-present MMO blogosphere discussion of fantasy vs sci-fi. The most recent discussion started up with Massively's own Michael Zenke and his "Five Reasons Sci-Fi Pwns Fantasy" which prompted the return fire in question from Grimwell. Both of the posts are certainly worth reading, especially if you have any kind of lingering interest in the subject matter.

As far as we can see, there's truth to be had on both sides of the fence. However, we do have one point of contention to make with Grimwelll's argument. He states that the reason fantasy "pwns" sci-fi is that it's accessible, which is a constant argument on the matter. While we think he may have a point in that less people are inherently familiar with sci-fi, we very much disagree with his assessment that you need to be a math nerd to enjoy good sci-fi -- his example in this case being Star Trek and its now-infamous technobabble.

Continue reading Grimwell gives one reason fantasy pwns sci-fi, we go "Huh?"

MassivelyGrimwell gives one reason fantasy pwns sci-fi, we go "Huh?" originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babylon-5battlestar-galacticacaptain-kirkdoctor-whodunefireflyflash-gordongrimwelllostmichael-zenkeserenitystar-trekstar-warstechnobabblethe-4400Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds Trailer plus further details on classes, story, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/stargate-worlds-trailer-plus-new-details-on-classes-story-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/stargate-worlds-trailer-plus-new-details-on-classes-story-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/05/stargate-worlds-trailer-plus-new-details-on-classes-story-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


This is the big Stargate Worlds debut trailer that appeared last night on the SCI FI channel. Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment's IT Director popped by the Stargate Worlds forums and provided the following details about the video:
  • The footage is CGI; however, it does use some in-game art assets and is intended to resemble the look and feel from the actual game.
  • Two worlds are shown in the following order: Agnos and Anima Vitrus (new)
  • Three races: Asgard and his drone, SGC Solider with improved body armor, female Jaffa solider with a staff weapon and Horus guard helmet
  • Heavily modified P90 implies broad weapon customizations
If that glimpse wasn't enough for the interstellar traveling junkies there is a very slight extended version over on Gamespot. The bigger news regarding Stargate Worlds comes from all the juicy details found in Gamespot's interview with Rod Nakamoto, CME's Senior VP of Product Development. Quick fact list from their exchange:
  • Unreal 3 Engine and Big World back end
  • Two factions
  • Classes: Jaffa, Goa'uld, Asgard, human soldier, scientist, archeologist, and commando
  • No vehicle combat or player controlled starships
  • The MMOG will follow the events from SG1 but feature different stories: Replicator War, the Apophis War, the Tok'ra war with the Goa'uld, etc.
  • Beta testing starts this spring and with the launch to follow in the fall
  • 15 USD monthly subscription rate
  • Possibility that SG cast members to do voice-overs
  • Evolutionary Combat and Advanced AI
The translation from the show to an MMOG might work well, certainly, better than other properties such as Firefly. I guess it also helps that you know Stargate Worlds is actually in development and Firefly MMOG will probably never see the light of day. No matter the content, I don't trust any MMOG that was only tested for a short period of time considering Stargate Worlds hasn't been in full production (announced in 2006) very long. It takes time to implement quality content, but maybe CME's Developers can pull it off. What do you guys think?

MassivelyStargate Worlds Trailer plus further details on classes, story, and more originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmefireflymediammog-tv-moviesci-fistargatestargate-atlantisstargate-worldsstargate-worlds-classesSat, 05 Jan 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 10 MIA MMOs of 2007 - part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/08/top-10-mia-mmos-of-2007-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/08/top-10-mia-mmos-of-2007-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/08/top-10-mia-mmos-of-2007-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In the waning weeks of December, we've already started turning our eyes towards the new year. 2008 is already showing a great deal of promise for the MMO community, with the impending release of Pirates of the Burning Sea, Wrath of the Lich King, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Though most of these titles are still a good ways away from hitting retailer shelves, we've already got a pretty good idea of what's in store, not just in terms of assets and information that's already been released, but also from hands-on impressions and beta testing. In other words, as excited as we are, there probably won't be terribly many surprises as it concerns these titles. They're practically a given.

As luck would have it, those aren't the only titles we'll be drooling over next year - this much we know. There are a number of games in development out there that have shown up on our collective radar screens over the past few months, but only as tiny blips. For the most part, they still represent riddles wrapped up in mysteries with a side of question mark. We've assembled a list of the top 10 MIA MMOs - those mysterious games that represent the future of the MMO... if only we knew what they were.

In the first part of this feature, we'll take a look at the first half of the list.

Continue reading Top 10 MIA MMOs of 2007 - part 1

MassivelyTop 10 MIA MMOs of 2007 - part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Dec 2007 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinAPBcryptic-studiosfalloutfallout-mmofeaturedfireflyinterplayjoystiqfeaturesmarvel-universe-onlinemia-mmosmultiverseMUOopinionreal-time-worldsthqtop-5vigil-gameswarhammer-40kSat, 08 Dec 2007 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Google almost certainly creating multi-user virtual world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/04/google-almost-certainly-creating-multi-user-virtual-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/04/google-almost-certainly-creating-multi-user-virtual-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/04/google-almost-certainly-creating-multi-user-virtual-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

World of Googlecraft? GoogleQuest? Pirates of the Google Sea? No, really. It could happen. Sort of.

Apparently Google isn't satisfied with how massive it is already; the tech juggernaut might be developing a virtual online world. Okay, so it probably won't really be an MMORPG per say, but it could be something similar to Second Life. Rumors of the project have been gaining momentum for a while now, and we here at Massively are laying out all the evidence right here for you to see.

Continue reading Google almost certainly creating multi-user virtual world

MassivelyGoogle almost certainly creating multi-user virtual world originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Nov 2007 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adscapebreakingcorey-bridgefinancial-timesfireflyfirefly-mmogooglegoogle-earthmediafilemultiversereuterssecond-lifesketchupsocial-networkingwall-street-journalSun, 04 Nov 2007 10:35:00 EST